Jeff Sessions Use to Support Death Penalty for Marijuana Dealers

President Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general, Jeff Sessions, has drawn widespread criticism, especially in the cannabis community. And for good reason: He once said he thought the KKK was “okay” until he learned they smoked marijuana, and he said not long ago that good people don’t use it.

What many people don’t realize, is that Sessions’ history on cannabis and drugs is much worse than that. In fact, just 20 years ago he was a public supporter of the death penalty for those caught dealing drugs twice, including marijuana.

In 1996, when serving as Alabama’s attorney general, he promoted H.B. 242, S.B. 291, a state bill to establish mandatory death sentences for a second drug trafficking conviction, including for dealing marijuana.

The drug bill was advertised as targeting “kingpins,” but to qualify for execution, the defendant merely needed to lead a group of five people and make the minimum wage in drug proceeds. Alabama’s minimum wage was $4.25 per hour in 1996.

This is just one of many reasons why proponents of cannabis – and basic human rights – should vehemently oppose Sessions nomination (although it unfortunately may not matter, as a rejection of his nomination seems unlikely).

Anthony Martinelli

Anthony is co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of TheJointBlog. He has worked closely with numerous elected officials who support cannabis law reform, including as the former Campaign Manager for King County (WA) Councilmember Dave Upthegrove. He has been published by multiple media outlets, and is a former contributor for Village Voice Media.

Anthony can be reached at TheJointBlog@TheJointBlog.com.

3 comments

That might have been true at one time but President Trump is for decriminalization and possible legalization of marijuana, since the tax base is so huge. He is a business man and realizes the potential for marijuana as an alternative cure for certain diseases and the amount of money it will bring in to the government.